The onus is then on the producer to add details, such as birth, sex, breed, sire and dam identity, when each calf is born and tagged. The passport should then be updated to record every holding on which that animal has been held.

Verified records

Animals whose records cannot be verified by local vet inspectors will not be issued with a passport and unable to enter the food chain.

Although MAFF and tag manufacturers are keen to implement the scheme quickly, there is concern the deadline will not be met.

"Tag stocks are not a problem, but we are concerned there may be problems accessing MAFFs eartag allocation system and securing double tag allocation. MAFF is aware of this and is holding industry meetings," said Ritchey Taggs Kim Dingle.

Roland Kershaw-Dalby, secretary to the National Cattle Association, agrees: "Double tagging will reduce tag loss and with a passport will make it more difficult to commit fraud. Retailers are welcoming the idea for it provides traceability." &#42